Rhode Island CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: Only at the CDL Office in the Cranston DMV, by appointment

All Rhode Island commercial transactions are performed only by the CDL Office at the Cranston DMV (600 New London Avenue). Knowledge testing there is by appointment only.

Correct answer: The General Knowledge exam

Every CLP applicant must pass at least the General Knowledge exam. Additional exams may be required depending on the class of license and endorsements you are applying for.

Correct answer: One year maximum, and it cannot be renewed

A Rhode Island CLP is valid for one year maximum and is non-renewable. Once it expires, all knowledge exams must be retaken and all applicable fees repaid.

Correct answer: Complete a successful DOT medical examination

A successful DOT Medical Examination must be completed before the CLP can be issued, unless you are exempt from the medical-certificate requirement.

Correct answer: At least two years

You must have held a valid operator’s license for at least two years. Any periods when your driving privileges were suspended do not count toward that two-year minimum.

Correct answer: $73.50

A new Rhode Island CLP costs $73.50 (fee includes the $3.50 technology surcharge). A CLP update or duplicate is $23.50, and each knowledge test is $23.50 ($10.00 for each additional test the same day).

Correct answer: 50 questions — you must answer 40 correctly (80%)

Rhode Island’s General Knowledge exam has 50 questions and you must answer 40 correctly — the federal 80% passing standard that applies to every CDL knowledge test.

Correct answer: 25 questions — 20 correct to pass (80%)

The Rhode Island Air Brakes exam has 25 questions; you must answer 20 correctly (80%). Failing it — or not taking the skills test in a vehicle with full air brakes — adds the L/Z air-brake restriction to your license.

Correct answer: 20 questions — 16 correct to pass (80%)

The Rhode Island Combination exam has 20 questions; you must answer 16 correctly (80%). Passing it is required before you can be issued a Class A CDL.

Correct answer: Only one exam of each type per day, starting with the General Knowledge exam

Rhode Island lets you take only one exam of each type per day, and you must start with the General Knowledge exam before moving on to other required tests.

Correct answer: Remain stopped until the tire cools off

If a tire is too hot to touch, remain stopped until it cools off. Otherwise the tire may blow out or catch fire. Do not let air out to reduce the pressure.

Correct answer: Tar that rises to the road surface in hot weather, creating very slippery spots

Tar in the road pavement frequently rises to the surface in very hot weather. Spots where tar "bleeds" to the surface are very slippery, so watch for them.

Correct answer: High speeds create more heat for the tires and engine, raising the risk of tire failure or fire

High speeds create more heat for the tires and engine. In desert conditions the heat can build to a dangerous point, increasing the chance of tire failure, fire, and engine failure.

Correct answer: Shift gears while crossing the tracks

Do not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks — you could lose momentum and stall on the tracks. Never race a train to a crossing, and do not expect to hear the train over the noise inside your vehicle.

Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet before the nearest rail

Vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings — such as buses carrying passengers and placarded vehicles — must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail, then listen and look both ways for trains.

Correct answer: Double check — a train on one track can hide a train on another — and be sure you can clear all tracks

Double tracks require a double check — a train on one track may hide a train on the other. Never let traffic trap you on the tracks; be sure you can get all the way across before you start. A tractor-trailer needs at least 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds for a double track.

Correct answer: Before starting down the grade, not after your speed has built up

Shift the transmission to a low gear before starting down the grade. If you wait until your speed has built up, you may not be able to shift into a lower gear — or any gear — and could lose all engine braking effect.

Correct answer: Brake to about 5 mph below your "safe" speed, release the brakes, and repeat as needed

Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown. When your speed drops to about 5 mph below your "safe" speed, release the brakes (about a 3-second application). When speed returns to your safe speed, repeat. Brakes are only a supplement to engine braking.

Correct answer: A ramp of loose, soft material built to stop a runaway vehicle safely

Escape ramps use a long bed of loose, soft material — sometimes combined with an upgrade — to stop a runaway vehicle without injuring the driver. Know the escape ramp locations on your route; signs show where they are, and they save lives, equipment, and cargo.

Correct answer: You may hit someone or something behind you

Don’t roll back when you start — you may hit a vehicle or person behind you. With a manual transmission, partly engage the clutch before taking your right foot off the brake.